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Lantern Hill Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 172 Google reviews · Running trail in North Stonington, Connecticut · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lantern Hill Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Landscaped trail with steep sections, rocky spots and sweeping vistas.
What runners say about Lantern Hill Trail
“Beautiful sunset views from both sides of lantern hill- lantern hill is a fairly easy loop trail for some great views!”
“Be cautious around the overlooks, I am quiet certain gravity still works at their edge, and the sudden stop at the bottom would be quiet killer.”
This is one of my favorite local places to hike, from the Spring to Fall, each season offers its own benefits. It is about a mile-half round trip to the peak, with about a 400 foot ascent from the trail head. There are a couple of overlooks, one over Lantern hill Pond, the other of the valley to the North Face.
Wicket and I had fun walking every different way taking different color paths. Tried finding our way back ended up coming to a private road and had to walk 24 minutes back to where my car was parked. Definitely was an adventure. Had to carry him most of the way but here's a pic of him as soon as we got to the car 🚘 🐕🐾
Great place to hike. It is steep in a lot of areas, and I'd recommend hiking poles if you have them. In some areas there are drop off cliffs, so be careful in those areas (stay on the trail).
Great views, clearly marked trails.... be prepared to be Mountain Goat... trek on!!!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful sunset views from both sides of lantern hill- lantern hill is a fairly easy loop trail for some great views!”
“Beautiful sunset views from both sides of lantern hill- lantern hill is a fairly easy loop trail for some great views!”
“Parking area for this trail is very limited , to be acuret you will have to park on the site of the road.”
“It's a little on the rocky side .”
“Be cautious around the overlooks, I am quiet certain gravity still works at their edge, and the sudden stop at the bottom would be quiet killer.”
“Beautiful sunset views from both sides of lantern hill- lantern hill is a fairly easy loop trail for some great views!”
Plan your run at Lantern Hill Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near North Stonington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Pike Marshall Preserve
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